# HackerReads vs Hacker Reader

The clearest difference is rating: HackerReads at 5.0 against Hacker Reader's 1.0. HackerReads also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months) and ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

HackerReads holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.

HackerReads ships an update every 5 days, Hacker Reader every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HackerReads | Hacker Reader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hackerreads/id6745434040/reviews)** | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacker-reader/id6754137305/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 20 MB | 65 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | +9 |
| Developer | [Mahesh Adhikari](https://appshunter.io/developer/1761921713) | [Daniel Capistrano Sarinho Paiva](https://appshunter.io/developer/1580657892) |

## What reviewers say

### HackerReads

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hackerreads/id6745434040)

This app delivers curated tech and hacking news with AI-powered summaries. It offers a clean, distraction-free reading experience for developers and tech enthusiasts, ensuring you stay updated on important stories without the clutter.

**Highlights:** AI-powered summaries, Curated top tech stories, Clean, minimal design, Smart story tracking, Dark mode support, Lightweight and fast

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Hacker Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacker-reader/id6754137305)

A native iOS client for Hacker News offering a streamlined reading experience with home screen widgets, community interaction, and a beautiful, dark-mode-friendly design. Securely log in to upvote, comment, and bookmark stories.

**Highlights:** Browse all story categories, Upvote stories and comments, Secure login with HN account, Post comments and replies, Bookmark stories, Home screen widgets, Dark mode support

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HackerReads free?

HackerReads is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Hacker Reader free?

Hacker Reader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, HackerReads or Hacker Reader?

HackerReads is rated higher. HackerReads averages 5.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Hacker Reader averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do HackerReads or Hacker Reader have ads?

Neither HackerReads nor Hacker Reader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HackerReads or Hacker Reader?

HackerReads ships an update every 5 days, and Hacker Reader every 2 months. Most recently, HackerReads was updated on September 28, 2026 and Hacker Reader on October 9, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*